BREAKING: Twin Venezuela earthquakes kill 164, injure nearly 1,000

International, Weather

CARACAS, Venezuela (NPA) — At least 164 people have been killed and 971 others injured after two powerful earthquakes struck Venezuela, triggering widespread destruction, forcing thousands from their homes and prompting a nationwide state of emergency.

The twin earthquakes, measuring magnitudes 7.2 and 7.5, struck within seconds of each other near the Caribbean coastal town of Morón on Wednesday, making them the strongest to hit the South American country in more than a century.

Acting President Delcy Rodríguez announced the latest casualty figures and warned that the death toll could rise as rescue workers continue searching collapsed buildings.

“We have a central and essential objective: to save lives. Our work is to rescue those trapped under collapsed buildings and homes,” Rodríguez said while declaring a nationwide state of emergency.

The worst destruction was reported in Caracas and the neighbouring coastal state of La Guaira, where dozens of buildings collapsed, roads were damaged and critical infrastructure was affected. Simón Bolívar International Airport was shut down after sustaining structural damage, while schools were converted into emergency shelters for displaced families.

Local authorities described frantic rescue operations as emergency responders worked through the rubble in search of survivors.

The United States Geological Survey (USGS) issued its highest-level “red alert,” warning that the earthquakes were likely to cause high casualties and extensive economic losses. The agency’s predictive modelling estimated a significant probability that the final death toll could rise substantially as rescue operations continue.

International support has begun arriving following the disaster.

U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio extended condolences to the Venezuelan people and said President Donald Trump had authorised immediate humanitarian assistance, including search-and-rescue teams, medical supplies and emergency relief.

Rescue teams continue operations across Caracas, La Guaira and other affected communities as authorities assess the full scale of the destruction.

The disaster has compounded Venezuela’s existing economic and humanitarian challenges, with officials urging residents to remain calm and avoid damaged buildings because of continuing aftershocks.